The World Celebrates The Largest Theatre Space In Africa
“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” ― Aristotle
Photo courtesy: Atalayar
A theatre space of its kind. A space that is set to host theatrical performances and opera shows in its large, 2,000 seat hall, which boasts state-of-the-art audiovisual services.
A space that encompasses a large outdoor theater that is expected to welcome 7,000 visitors for cultural and artistic festivals and activities. A theatre arena that includes a second hall with about 520 seats.
Lights, camera, and … THE GRAND THEATRE OF RABAT.
The building is designed by Zaha Hadid and her architectural firm Zaha Hadid Architects. It is among the last projects designed by the famous Zaha Hadid before her passing in 2016
The construction officially started on October 7, 2014, as part of King Mohammed VI focus to promote the arts and cultural development. The Grand Theatre is one of the country’s centerpieces that occupies 110-hectare mixed-use district on the shores of the Bou Regreg River. It includes malls, residential areas, a national archive, a new archaeological museum, and a business district with skyscrapers on the Salé side of the river.
Photo Courtesy: Zaha Hadid Architects, Interior Design
The curving design of the structure is inspired by both the nearby river's winding course and by the aesthetics of Arabic calligraphy. Other elements take their cues from Islamic architecture.
The Grand Theatre of Rabat is aimed at bringing new cultural life to the city and includes a section dedicated to artistic revitalization and entertainment that will host major national and international artistic and cultural events. One of them being the 2022 CAF Awards set for July 21st.
Photo Courtesy: Morocco News
Arts and culture do have a significant role in changing behavior. As research shows, participation in culture can have a major impact on psychological well-being, and Morocco seems to understand this concept so well.
Morocco has placed itself in the world theatre radar, positioning itself with the great Broadway theatres amongst others. The Great Theatre of Rabat and the Mohammed VI Theatre are not the only mind-blowing theatre halls in the Arab country, there is the Grand Theatre of Casablanca, the cultural complex of Fez and the culture complex of Tangiers.
MVDRV Cuture Complex of Tangiers
All these spaces were created as part of Morocco’s efforts to advance the theatre sector and highlight the role of culture in achieving development.
Culture provides important social and economic benefits. With improved learning and health, increased tolerance, and opportunities to come together with others. It truly enhances our quality of life and increases overall well-being for both individuals and communities.
Culture is able to create empathy, empower marginalized communities, and promote active citizenship, as well as building civil society.
Despite making headlines recently for all the wrong reasons, Africa has something to celebrate about Morocco: The Grand Theatre of Rabat phenomenon. Wont you?